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Monkey Business

Banana Cupcakes

Check out the frosting on these banana cupcakes. Super smooth and creamy, cream cheese buttercream … so delicious and creamy. Did I mention creamy? I also used a little added yellow to tint the otherwise cream colored creamy cream cheese frosting … you know, just to enhance the senses. I’m tricky like that.

Banana Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
Yield: 12 cupcakes

Banana Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

Banana Cupcakes

  • 1-3/4 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 large ripe banana (or almost 1 cup)
  • 1/2 cup whole milk, room temperature

Creamy Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
  • 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 box (1lb) of confectioner's sugar
  • Buttercup yellow icing color (optional)

Instructions

  1. Banana Cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line cupcake tray with 12 baking cups.
  2. Sift together flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl with a wire whisk.
  3. Cream butter and sugar in a mixer for about four minutes. Add banana and mix until combined. Add eggs and vanilla and mix until combined.
  4. Add half the flour in three additions alternating with milk in two additions. Scrape down the sides with each addition.
  5. Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until done.
  6. Crean Cheese Frosting: Cream butter and cream cheese in mixer until thoroughly combined. Add vanilla. Then add sugar in small batches until combined and creamy. Add a small amount of buttercup yellow icing color to frosting and mix.
Now you can eat them just like this or …

Confetti Cupcakes

Party them up a little bit with small pastel colored confetti sprinkles … just because it’s that kind of day.

But, these banana cupcakes need something else… something to keep them company.

A little friend maybe?

IMG_3315

Yes definitely.

But my little monkey needs a friend, too.

Cupcake Toppers

So this little piggy and teddy joined in on the fun.

Cupcake Toppers

And so did my favorite martian, robot and bumblebee.

My head is actually going to explode from all this cuteness.

Bumblebee Cupcake Topper

Could these be any more adorable? Look at that bumblebee bottom.

Cupcake Towers from Lollipop Workshop

Why yes, yes they can! These cupcake toppers are also candleholders. I’m officially in love here.

Cupcake Toppers from Lollipop Workshop

And it gets even better. They want to be your friends, too. Not these, they’re mine. All mine.

Cupcake Toppers

But these could be all yours.

When I bought these cutie pies from the Lollipop Workshop on etsy (also be cheery on flickr), I bought enough for two more sets. And I want two of you to have one. Well I want all of you to have them, but I only have two sets to give away. (Martian and Robot colors may vary from above.)

All you have to do to enter is give me some advice.

You see, Lollipop Workshop also sent me something else … A surprise … when she mailed the cupcake toppers.

I’m 10000000% certain it will be crazy cute!

From Lollipop Workshop

It’s in this box and I haven’t opened it yet.

Why?

Lollipop Workshop Goodies

Because she also sent this box for my little helper. So sneaky and sweet of her.

So the question is…
Should I wait until my niece visits again so we can open them together?
Should I rip open mine now and show you what’s inside?
Should I open both of them? I could re-wrap ’em and no one would be the wiser.
But I do like surprises. Hmmmm… tortured by sweetness.

Okay, so you know I’m really gonna wait, right.

But, I’m just curious – what would you do?

  • Leave your answer in the comment section below and you’ll be entered for a chance to win a set of assorted cupcake toppers from Lollipop Workshop.
  • Make sure to leave a way for me to contact you if you win.
  • Deadline to enter is Tuesday, August 18th at 5 p.m. TIME’S UP!
  • Two winners* will be picked at random and announced sometime Tuesday evening on this post.

*Winners will be chosen using the random.org integer generator.

Good Luck!

And, here’s some more cuteness from Lollipop Workshop. Custom cake toppers, lollidolls and candleholders. The store sells out quickly when she adds new products, so just send her a message if you need a custom order.

Okay, Time’s up and here are the two winners

#1619 – Elle
#831 – The Pettit Family

Congrats! You’re getting some super cute cupcake toppers!

Comments are closed.

3,524 comments on “Monkey Business”

  1. Oh wait for your niece! So much more fun if you are both surprised at the same time.

  2. I loved those cupcake holders. They were so cute. They make me want to bake, and eat, lots of cupcakes.

  3. You could open it and tape it back. Who'll know? : ) -shesalex@hotmail.com

  4. I've gotta know what is in there but the angel on my shoulder says to wait for your neice. My neice loves to open presents even if something as small as lip gloss is inside.
    tochimonteith@dishmail.net

  5. A gift from a "friend" is always worth the wait.

  6. The hardest choice- wait for your niece! It will be worth it :)

  7. Aww, definitely wait for you niece. But maybe put it somewhere out of the way in the meantime so you don't have the urge to open early.

  8. Yes, definitely wait. It's so much more fun to open these things as a joint present.

  9. Well since you like suprises I think you should wait! I'm not sure if I could though… Good luck!

  10. Hmm…Depends on how long you have to wait for a visit. I am good for short term surprises but not too long. Have been known to unwrap Christmas gifts and then rewrap them. Linda
    lcrosby7@tampabay.rr.com

  11. Any chance it could be perishable? If not, I would wait. Otherwise open it up and check it out! You'd hate for it to go bad before you opened it. :)

  12. Just take a little peek … no one will know!!
    bonnie@holdenslanding.com

  13. First of all, you are way stronger than me – no question I would've opened mine. My advise is if you niece is going to visit in the next week – wait. If it is going to be longer, open your's, but don't open hers. abelmore@purdue.edu
    http://www.ashliedelshad.blogspot.com

  14. As much as I would want to rip open that package, I think you should wait for your niece and open them together. That way, you'll both be super surprised!

  15. Go pick up your 'little helper' today! the suspense is already killing me!

  16. Oh, definitely wait and open them together. Even though the anticipation is torture, it will be so much more fun that way.

    laurajackson@mac.com

  17. I feel like the right thing to do would be wait and open them together …but I think you could get double the fun if you opened yours now…then you get a second surprise when your helper opens hers ;)

    jbartistic at gmail dot com

  18. I wouldn't be able to wait. I'd rip into it.

  19. They're so stinking cute, almost too cute to open! But I have to agree that it would be that much more special to wait for your neice! That a great surprise for her, and you :) Enjoy!!! Cant wait to see whats inside!!!

  20. I think you should wait and open them together. The wait may be painful for you, but seeing the enjoyment on her face will make it worth the wait :)

  21. Ohhhhhhhhh the anticipation!! I know the feeling. Looking at the present whenever you walk into the room and getting the itch to open it! I think it would be great to wait. I think it would make the moment of opening the presents with your special helper that much sweeter. Can't wait to find out what is hidden inside.

  22. Definately wait to open. It will be worth it to see her face!

    cj

    cjcoppola2@yahoo.com

  23. Leave it a surprise until you both open together! Will be much ore fun!

    mayaquice@aol.com

  24. If it was me ..I would open. I am curious like that. Then I would re-wrap and be surprised again when it was time to open the gift again. LOL

    Curiousity kill the cat but satifaction brought it back. 8-)

    jennmich97@gmail.com

  25. Wait and open together! Surprises are the best anyways and then you will both be so excited when the time comes! Let us know what it was!

  26. I would absolutely 100% wait to open the surprise! No peeking! It is more fun that way!! :)

    e-mail: Jourdy86@gmail.com

  27. You have to wait for your niece!

  28. I'd rip them open. Okay, well at least rip yours open and save the other one for your neice. Something wrapped like that WANTS to be opened. Essentially you're hurting its feelings by leaving it alone!
    Amy
    pinandpaper@q.com

  29. Opening them together would bond you together in cuteness. Wait! But make sure to blog about it so we can read all about the goodies.

    stephaniestempinski@yahoo.com

  30. I would open mine straight away and jingle, jangle the other one until I had a fairly good idea of what I thought it was. The anticipation would kill me!

    Monique
    mnmnguajardo@hotmail.com

  31. Those candle holders are adorable.
    I would definitely want to rip open the surprise BUT, it would be so much more exciting to do it with your niece. It'll be worth waiting for it!
    nat_teonadi@live.com

  32. I think that you should wait and build up the suspense..it will be so fun to do it together at the same time. I know it is hard to wait though :)

  33. oh wow those are totally adorable! If it were me I would tear into both packages now and then re wrap the one for the lil helper!

    ljcadv{at}yahoo.com

  34. You and your niece need to get up to monkey business together–hold on to the surprises until she gets there!

    Verlinda

  35. I would wait, but it would be so hard! Those packages are adorable!
    kellidmcd@yahoo.com

  36. It will be hard, but you have to wait and open them together..you can do it!

  37. I think you should call your niece and ask her. You could always open yours via webcam or something so she gets to see real-time and then though she'll know a bit about what's in her box, she still gets that fun of ripping it open the next time she visits. Of course, if you do this, you'd have to wait to use whatever is in your box until she is there! :)

  38. wait for her. it will be more special that way!

  39. I think you should wait…. you'd get bonus points for being such a good auntie!!!!

  40. I think you should rip it open! She'll have her own fun when she opens hers up too!

  41. sooo cute!! :-)

    I so want to open the box for you! Wait for your little helper…good things are always worth the wait! Can't wait to see what's inside!

  42. I saw wait. Anticipation is so much a part of the pleasure in receiving something. And, really, they look so pretty wrapped up.

  43. I would wait until she comes and open them together! Can't wait to see what she sent!
    marciward22@yahoo.com

  44. Rip yours open!! But be sure and share what's inside :)

  45. as impatient as i am, you should definitely wait for your niece!

  46. I would wait and open them together. And I would think about it every day!
    jlopezking@yahoo.com

  47. I would wait until your niece comes!

    Sharon
    shorinko@verizon.net

  48. Tear them open!! The wait is killing me! As nice as it would be for you to wait for niece and open them together, my lack of patience would not let that happen. Like you said … you could always re-wrap it and no one would be the wiser.

    And that is why I can't shop for or receive gifts early then a week.

    Ciao
    Nicole
    http://www.superiorcreations.net

  49. Since you love surprises, you should definitely WAIT for your niece!

    Amy

    tadoan@loyno.edu

  50. I would probably open them both and then rewrap them. I am bad with waiting.
    tarasteele7@hotmail.com

  51. I think you should wait for your neice. But knowing me? I'd rip the big one open … and attempt to hold off on the little one!

  52. I as well am tortured by unopened presents but it will be that much better if you wait for your niece! Waiting is half the fun right? Thanks for the super cute idea!

  53. if you are like me the anxiety of waiting would be awful. I would suggest putting them somewhere you wont have to see them and then waiting for your niece. It would be such a great moment to open them together!

    Brit
    BrittneyGrace@gmail.com

  54. Rip open and then re-wrap, for SURE!!!

  55. I would want to open them, but I would have to wait. Cute cupcake toppers!

  56. I'd definitely wait for your niece; her excitement when opening your presents together will so make it worth the wait!

  57. ooo tough choice! I'd probably open one just to see and then re-wrap it so that no one would know :)

  58. I would TRY to wait. But I might not make it …

  59. I would wait. It would kill me, but I would wait. I'd have to come up with a super excuse for Little Helper to come out sooner though.
    Judy
    hodjworld at yahoo dot com

  60. Salutations!

    First loved the cupcakes! Beautiful. However to your question, The kid in me… who is strong than the adult me would say open it. Although I respect the wanting to share the surprise more with your niece (Ive got plenty nieces and nephews and Im only 26… my oldest niece is about to have her first baby in November making me a GREAT AUNT *blink*)

    Anyways… I think the better idea would be to open your package… because if their both the same type of item… it will allow you time to think of a way to use it.. (For example say its a pretty rose made outta crystal candy… you could plan to make a Beauty and the Beast theme bakery item)

    So when she arrives, you can enjoy the suprise on her face… take a photo or film it.. and then be prepared with how to use her new surprise… having everything all laid out and ready for her! A surprise followed by a wonderful baking event!
    Well good luck cant wait to hear what it is!
    Pammy

  61. I'd definitely wait to open them ensemble. ;-) Not only to do you get to share the excitement with your niece, but you get the added excitement that comes from waiting for a surprise!

  62. Open it, open it, open it! I'm not patient…or nice enough to wait. =)

    harassnave AT hotmail DOT com

  63. I would wait. How fun to open them together… in the meantime, there is plenty of cuteness for us to look at on your site! Thanks!

  64. I would wait for the niece, but I might be tortured to the point of insanity if I had to wait very long.

  65. Wait for her… she will love u for it!!

    Marti
    kissypixels@gmail.com

  66. I say wait..She will love it!

  67. Waiting would be best…but they are Super Super cute!!!

    vdiana_1221@yahoo.com

  68. I would want to rip them both open, because I just can't stand the suspense. But, I would wait and open them when your neice comes to visit.

    amberflenniken AT yahoo DOT com

  69. wait for your special helper…she will love that!!! and we can't wait to see pictures, have fun!! (zoed50@swbell.net)

  70. I would definitely TRY to wait…BUT I know I couldn't. Don't torture yourself, open it!! :o)

    gracieo
    runawaybelle at google

  71. I would wait until you can both open them together. It'll make her feel wonderful that you wanted to wait and share it with her!

    Mallory
    mallory.ragon@gmail.com

  72. I am horrible at waiting! Open yours now!!!!!!

  73. If it was me, i'd definitely open it now and rewrap it later :) there's no way i could resist opening it for that long!

  74. I would not be able to contain myself. i would definitely rip the both of them open and re-wrap your "little helpers" Atleast that is what i would.

  75. For sure open them together! It will be like Christmas morning :)

  76. no one would know if you opened and rewrapped! except you. and i think that would take the fun out of it. wait! it will be worth it.

  77. Those are so, so cute! I would wait, too. The wrapping on them is so pretty, I would just enjoy looking at them until you see your niece. Or maybe, if the tape comes off easily, you could just peek…
    Melissa
    babybiscuit519@sbcglobal.net

  78. SOO Stinkin' Cute!! I would so wait!!! I think it would make it an even more special suprise!! :)

    But post what is inside!!! I have to know….!!! :)

    Krista W.

  79. I would have peek, then rewrap. I can't stand waiting!

  80. I would totally wait. How fun would it be to open them together. Surprises are so fun!! =)
    And those little toppers are too cute!!!

  81. Save them and open together, anticipation is half the fun.

  82. Oh my gosh, I do want these topers!! waaaayyyyy too cute. oK, I hate to admit this, but if there is a present, AND no body is around I will peek! I have larned to retape everything ver carefully. My poor hubby has learned not to put anything under the tree at christmas. And even then sometimes he gives me clues where to find my present. pretty cruel huh? So I say, peek away! I will help you retape if necessary! LOL!

    thanks for putting my name in the hat…

    Lorene H

  83. I'm dreadful with secrets and surprises – even the ones I'm planning. If it were me, I'd unwrap them to see what they are and then re-wrap them…it's a childhood flaw of mine I guess!

  84. I would so rip them both open, show us yours, and then toss hers in a bag with some tissue so she can be surprised later :)

  85. I would totally open it and rewrap them. I can't handle surprises.

  86. I would open mine, I can't wait for surprises!

  87. kids love surprises and you'll love her surprised reaction. just WAIT!!! ;o)

  88. OH, what a tough choice! I think you should wait though, what fun you will have! I can't wait to see what's in them!

  89. I'd have to open mine right away! What if there's something edible inside that really shouldn't wait?? :)

  90. I think it would be best to wait and open them together. But, if it was me, I would most likely rip one open! = ]

  91. I would definitely wait. I think the anticipation makes it even more fun!

  92. most def. wait for her! You'll be glad you did!

  93. kids love surprises and you'll love her surprised reaction.. so WAIT.. hahaha… ;o)

  94. Save it! It will be more fun to open them together!

    beckyATheartknitsDOTcom

  95. I would wait-I wouldn't want to but would because it would be so fun to open it w/ your little helper-she is soo cute!

    Chelseajg@yahoo.com

  96. I can't handle surprises, so I would probably open them and then rewrap them… But the honorable thing to do is to wait. Good luck!

  97. Most def. wait until your niece comes & open together. You'll be glad you did!

  98. I am a wait and see kind of girl because I opened all my presents early one Christmas and it stunk! Learned my lesson.

    jennyfergray@yahoo.com

  99. I think you should wait until your niece comes, she will feel so special and surprised. =)

    carina.413@gmail.com

  100. This is what my Mommy brain would do for sure…I would decide to wait, then hide the boxes somewhere so that I wasn't tempted to open them, then when she arrived I would suddenly remember that I had hidden them and not have a single clue where that great hiding place was!

    Happy waiting.

    Michelle

  101. I would wait for your "little helper" Surprises are so much more fun with someone to share it with =)

    My email is enchantingdragon@gmail.com

    hanks! Love the blog

  102. Oh wait until your niece comes to open yours…things are so much more fun to open with kids! Don't open the one to give away…it will make a fun blog post to read about on your winner's blog! :0)

    ashleyredburn@hotmail.com

  103. i'd wait – because opening them with a friend is better than opening alone. :)

    especially if your friend is of the pint-sized variety and you can take pictures of her reaction. :) (be sure to have her take some of your reaction too!)

  104. Wait for your niece I think the look on her face when she gets to open the surprise with you will be better than the gift itself!

  105. FUN! I would wait and open them with your helper.

    Although, you might not want to trust me. I used to open and re-wrap my Christmas presents :-O

  106. Aww, that's so cute that your niece got a gift also! Even though I'm sure you must be tempted, I would wait for your niece! In the meantime, just shake them a little, maybe you can find out what it is!
    Aidan
    hockeychick4life@hotmail.com

  107. Oh those are so cute! As much as it would drive me crazy, I would wait. Thanks for the opportunity!
    cheryl123@cox.net

  108. i would recommend waiting and opening both at the same time… but knowing me i'd open mine and then be unable to resist opening hers!

    monaschauer@gmail.com

  109. I would open and re wrap HEE Hee

  110. Wait for your niece!!! It's so much more fun to get a suprise if there is someone there to share it with!
    Jamie
    cjcollins@netzero.com

  111. I bet you could be sneaky enough to open them without anyone ever knowing…
    allisonhansen@gmail.com

  112. I would totally wait for her to open them! The surprise is the best! :)
    Besides, if you can't wait for her to come to you, go to her! Ha!

  113. I would wait to open it with your niece. I'm sure it will be worth the wait!

  114. I would wait of course. But it would be so hard for me to wait though. I love suprises.
    lotzoflove@hotmail.com

  115. wait to open them together. :)

  116. they are so adorable… i love cupcakes and those toppers would make the cupcakes even better!!

    nycstrawberri21@gmail.com

  117. I am all for opening yours right now! Everyone is so polite and thinks you should wait but I say go for it!

  118. oh…wait!!! How fun is that going to be….please take picture's, i want to know the surprise is too! :)

    Hope

  119. I would totally wait if she was coming at some point in the near future! Or I would take it to her so we could open them together! I love surprises as well. :)

  120. As hard as it is to wait, I'd let your niece open it. Can't wait to find out what's in there!

  121. If they're meant to be open together, I'd wait. If not then I'd go right ahead and open the one and save the other for when your niece comes.

  122. I would have to wait. Put them away for now. Out of site … out of mind. Good luck!

  123. I would say rip right into yours and show the rest of us what wonderful surprise lies within the box but then the child in me thinks it would be so much more special for your niece to share the intriguing moment with you!
    Good things come to those who wait of course (;

  124. I personally, would open it myself to see what it was, then rewrap it and plan what to make with the little helper using the 'surprise'. But that's because I prep my kitchen before little helpers enter, so they don't have to wait for me to dig out bowls and measuring cups and ingredients. Your helper might be more patient than mine though, mine's only three and is still mastering cookie cutters.
    Let us know how it goes, I'm very curious now!
    Sarah
    sweetly_bitter@hotmail.com

  125. Hmmm, waiting is too hard! Maybe send hers to her and when she gets it, you can open them together via phone!! But definitely wait to open them together, whether in person or via phone/computer:)

  126. I would wait until your niece comes to visit. I am sure she will love the suprise as much as you will.

    Those toppers are too cute!!!!

    tahill0985@gmail.com

  127. You should definitely wait for your niece and open them together. How fun would that be??!?

    kmartinez_81@yahoo.com

  128. As hard as it will be….WAIT and open them together. Just imagine her little face when you open them together and that will help you get through all the agonizing over waiting!

  129. Honestly…I would open the one for me, then maybe wrap it back up and open them again together…depending on how long you had to wait for your niece to come back out that is;o)

  130. Well I for one have no willpower, so I would open mine ;) But I respect you for wanting to wait!!

  131. I think I would really want to know what's inside… but, I think I would wait!!

  132. I know how hard it is to wait but do it together! You won't regret it!

    Someday I'm going to win one of these things…

    jmo_photo@yahoo.com

  133. Definitely wait for your niece, itll be more fun opening them in the end.

  134. Well, as an individual who's always snooping around in closets looking for birthday and christmas presents, i say – open them both and then re-wrap. i'm naughty like that.
    Beatrice
    honeybee-1975@hotmail.com

  135. Wait-so much more fun..I know how hard it is. Gah those toppers are the cutest..they make my teeth hurt

  136. As much as I'd want to rip into that package right away, I'd wait until your niece was there with you.

  137. Open it!!!

  138. I am such a curious person that I would NOT be able to wait. I would probably peak at them and then wrap them back up again. I know, I'm bad. :)

  139. What the heck…just wait. I would be so tempted to unwrap mine early. It would be much more fun to unwrap together…can't wait to see what it is. Love, love, love your blog.

  140. I would wait she will be so happy to open a surprise with her aunt!

  141. I would definitely wait until you two are together. Then it's fun for both of you!

    Heather.Nielson@usdoj.gov

  142. You should definitely open your box, and maaaaybe open the little box and re-wrap it for your neice!! I am so impatient…

    m_mags_9@hotmail.com

  143. i would have opened those adorable boxes the second they came in…and then re-wraped them like its nobodies business. =)

  144. I would definitely wait for your niece to come back and open the packages together! montoroa@aol.com

    Thanks!

  145. Open now no one would be the wiser! Just wrap it back later!!

  146. Ha I would totally open them. No WAY I could stand waiting!!

  147. Great things come to those who WAIT! ;-)

  148. if the little helper won't be coming over for a few days, time to rip open yours and see what it is!!

  149. sooo cute! I would want to rip them open, but probably wait until the niece came. i can't wait to see what's in them!
    cnzuidhof@shaw.ca

  150. I would definitely say wait…your niece will love that!

    shelly7997@gmail.com

  151. DON'T DO IT!!!
    The anticipation of getting to open a surprise is half the fun!!

  152. There's no way I'd be able to wait! I'd have to at least sneak a peek! I'd have to work on my "acting surprised" skills though! :)

    Whitney
    hutsell.w@gmail.com

  153. i would wait for my nieces (4 and 6) – they love to unwrap things and would adore these!
    stefydavis@yahoo.com

  154. It would be pure torture, but I would wait to open them until she gets there!

  155. I would wait to open them with your neice, get so frustrated waiting for her, and then rip yours open in a fit of impatience!

  156. I think you should wait and open the presents with your niece. It's double the surprise then!

    vab2[at]students[dot]calvin[dot]edu (Sorry, I worry about spambots!)

  157. well I think you should mail your little helper hers then when she gets it have her call you and open them together over the phone or web cam this way you don’t have to wait a long time and you both get to open them together… its a win win… good luck

  158. Oooh, I don't know…I think I'd open mine and keep nieces for her to open next time she visits!! I wouldn't be able to wait!

    tbmroberts at yahoo dot com

  159. Wait and open them together.

  160. I would wait and open them together. But I would be calling her right now and say it an emergancy that she come over, right now!

  161. Definitely wait until your neice visits and open them together!

    bowretrv(at)execpc(dot)com

  162. You guys should open them at the same time! Plus, what better incentive to get together with Lil Bakerella even sooner. Can't wait to find out what it is!

  163. You should wait and open them together. Your neice will feel so special!!

  164. Moments like those are so priceless…….your neice will feel like it's her b-day or something. You'll have to put your new stuff to use and show off what you and her make

  165. I'd open up mine and wait for your niece to open hers!

  166. I think I agree with the majority of people here. Although I think we would all like you to rip them open and show us! show us! show us! I think you should wait for your little helper, why are things always funner with kids? I dunno!

    I took a moment to browse the lollipop workshop @ etsy and am seriously considering changing my sister baby shower theme from owls to bumblebees after seeing those things!! You are right, they have such cute little bottoms! I will definitely be back for more!

    Thanks for all your cute ideas, you are so talented!!!!

  167. I would open them, then rewrap them, and pretend to be opening them for the first time when your neice comes. Sneaky, I know, but I just can't stand the suspense.

  168. I'd tape my hands together and sit on them and wait. Because I know how low my self control is when it comes to cuteness. :)

  169. You ought to invite your niece, and open it together.

    taracinablue@yahoo.com

  170. If it were me I would definitely rip both of them open and then rewrap your niece's gift. But the proper thing would be to wait…
    rydalchfamily@gmail.com

  171. Open and re-wrap.

  172. advice, advice that you don't already know…is that possible? Well, when baking any bread product, putting in a tablespoon of plain vinigar will keep your baked goods from going moudly fast. Makes a difference in the summer heat! And yes, I would open the box RIGHT NOW! You have amazing willpower to not have opened it right away :) heather_smith21@hotmail.com

  173. Wait for your niece…unfortunately!!

    mandy
    pianopraise80@hotmail.com

  174. Totally wait. It's worth it to see experience it together.
    Nancy

    purplepants@msn.com

  175. I would wait…unless I hadn't gotten a good night sleep due to my toddler. Then I think my patience level would be Zero.

  176. I would have SO opened them already! DO IT!!! ;-)

    fallingleavesfarm@graysoncable.com

  177. I guess it would be nice to wait for your niece, but I don't think I'd have the willpower!

    adamandem at yahoo dot com

  178. Of course you'll wait! Because that's what aunts do to make sure the little people in their lives are happy. The inner child in you will pout and throw a temper tantrum for not ripping that adorable paper open to see what the surprise is, but just put her in a time out and tell her to be patient, the wait will be worth it.
    Good luck!
    Mandi
    mandi@deputy.org

  179. Wait to open them together!

  180. In the end, you will do what you do and it will be fine, whatever way it goes. Really!

    Save the lollipop for me!

    sassi_02@hotmail.com

  181. It would be so sad if she found out you opened them without her! :-(

    I think you should mos. def. wait!

  182. Well, of course you should wait.. but it would be so tempting to look at them and wonder!!

    princess.erica@sbcglobal.net

  183. Rip yours open IMMEDIATELY. I, like everyone else, want to know what's inside!

  184. I can honestly say I would wait because I love surprises. It would be fun to document it on the site so we can all share in the excitement.

    lisaelliott{cox}dot{net}

  185. Heck no! Open it up! I hate surprises…I need to know what it is!!

    Shae

    shae0420@hotmail.com

  186. I'd open one as the suspense would be too much for me.

  187. Hi Bakerella,

    I think you should wait and open them together. She will feel extra special that you didn't open your gift until she was there. I Love your site! You inspired me to bake and decorate again!
    tatianaguzman@innovative-occasions.com

  188. When I was younger, I would open at least mine, but very carefully so you wouldn't be able to tell. Now that I'm older and more patient, I'd probably put them away and wait.

  189. You should go get your niece right now and open them together! Now! Now! Now! We are dyin' here wanting to know what's inside. :)

  190. I would open your box and if you can make something with it do that. Then when your helper comes you can show her what you made, make her guess what is new (tool, gadget, whatever) then discover what is in her box together and make something totally different with what is in her box. Just way to keep up a guessing game, have fun, learn something new and discover together. I love pretty boxes! What fun! Plus you can open your present now!

  191. I would want to open them…. but I guess the nice thing it to wait. Nice is exhausting!!!

  192. I'd be so tempted to tear into it, but I'd wait.

    vx6000@lycos.com

  193. ooh, that's a toughie. I personally can't stand surprises, but at the same time, it would be nice to wait until your niece comes to visit….so that's probably what I'd do. I'd just stash them in some corner so I wouldn't see them that often so as to not lead myself into temptation ;) my email addy is fordfreak67stang (at) hotmail (dot) com

  194. I know you'll wait… but in the mean time shake it a lil, smell and i'm sure it'll be more topers maybe some eadible lolipops!

  195. As hard as it is… wait for your niece to visit so you can open together and share the suprise! :)

    pfjeggink@gmail.com

  196. I would leave them both wrapped forever, because I am like that. I never open anything cute. It's a sickness.

    abigail1972@hotmail.com

  197. I can never wait, I'm so impatient. So I say rip that baby open and show us some cuteness!

  198. I say wait for your niece. It will be double the fun! :)

  199. Open it!

  200. I think you should wait until you and your niece can open them together. That way, you both get the joy of the other person opening hers.
    kgsoutherncomfort@gmail.com